What is tooth whitening?
Teeth whitening is one of most common cosmetic dental procedures because it improves the appearance of your teeth. The procedure clears stains and discoloration off the teeth to give it a lighter look. If you have been scheduled for teeth whitening with the dentist, you need to know what it entails.
First Step, the dentist will evaluate the condition
The presence of other dental issues such a teeth cavities can affect the teeth whitening procedure. In some cases, the dentist may take photographs of your teeth or perform an x-ray. You will also answer some questions to determine the cause of the stain or discoloration. If you have veneers or porcelain crowns on your teeth, the procedure will not work for you.
If the dentist detects signs of tooth decay or receding gums, he or she may not proceed with the process since it may cause teeth sensitivity.
Next step is cleaning
The dentist will proceed to clean your teeth to clear up food debris, bacteria film, or other substances that accumulate on your teeth to cause a stain. When teeth are thoroughly clean, then the whitening procedure can start.
The teeth whitening procedure
The whitening procedure has two main options: Non-vital whitening for teeth without live nerves, caused by previous root-canal treatment, and Vital whitening for teeth with live nerves.
Vital Whitening
Thisoption is the most common type of tooth whitening. The dentist first covers the gums around your teeth with a substance to shield them from the whitening process. They will then apply a powerful whitening gel containing a type of hydrogen peroxide on the teeth. Afterward, a special light or laser triggers the gel to hasten the bleaching process.
The procedure typically takes between 30 to 90 minutes. Depending on the nature and severity of the stain, the method used and the level of whiteness you want, the number of appointments you would require varies from one to three. Different stains react differently to the treatment.
Non-Vital Whitening
If you have had root canal treatment, then the dentist will use a procedure that whitens your teeth from the inside. They will apply the whitening agent inside the tooth and cover it with a temporary filling. The tooth will be in this state for some days. This is because the stains are produced from the inside.
You can have this treatment done once or repeatedly, depending on the shade you want.
Follow up
Although the teeth whitening procedure poses no significant risk, it may cause teeth sensitivity for a while. You may also experience irritation on your gums. This should typically disappear after a few days. If the soreness continues, reach out to the dentist to ask questions.
What is the bottom line?
Understand that the procedure does not offer a permanent solution. If you smoke, drink coffee, or eat a lot of teeth-staining foods, the whiteness may start to fade after a month or two. Usually, if you follow your dentist’s recommendations, you should need another teeth whitening procedure for another 6 to 12 months.
Request a dental appointment here:http://www.beverlyhillsfamilydentalgroup.comor call Beverly Hills Prestige Dental Group at (310) 286-9655 for an appointment in our Los Angeles dental office.
Recent Posts
Are Dental Lasers Used In Cosmetic Dental Teeth Whitening?
Laser teeth whitening, also known as laser teeth bleaching, is a popular option for dentist-supervised teeth whitening. Patients can whiten their teeth using at-home trays or by choosing to undergo an in-office whitening procedure. In-office whitening procedures sometimes use dental lasers, whitening teeth faster and more efficiently.Teeth whitening is popular because it enhances the way…
What Is Dental Laser Teeth Whitening?
At some point, the foods we eat and the beverages we drink begin to take their toll on our teeth, and when this happens, we look to teeth whitening services to restore smiles. While there are many options to whiten teeth both at home and in the dentist chair, a popular form is laser teeth…
3 Good Options For Whitening Your Teeth At Home
Tooth whitening helps build your everyday confidence so that you can relate with others and it provides you with a bright smile. However, discoloration of teeth can be caused by stains on your enamel or by changes that may occur inside of your teeth. Drinking coffee, tea, wine, smoking, and poor dental hygiene can cause…
5 Ways To Whiten Dull Teeth
When it comes to whitening dull teeth, most people assume teeth whitening at the dentist's office or whitening the teeth with an over-the-counter product at the store are the only options. There is plenty of confusion as to the most effective approach to whiten dull teeth.In reality, there are multiple options and preferences for people…
FAQs
Vital Whitening
Is a teeth whitening procedure painful? ›
Generally, teeth whitening does not hurt – though some people may experience sensitivity during or after treatment.
What happens during a teeth whitening session? ›
A special light is placed on your teeth to speed up the action of the whitening agent. This activates the gel, making it more efficient and giving you quicker results. It usually takes around an hour for the whole procedure.
What are the dos and don'ts during teeth whitening? ›
Don't Consume Foods that Can Stain Your Teeth
For both over-the-counter and professional teeth whitening, the first few days after treatment are the most critical. Avoid dark foods/liquids, drink through a straw when you can, don't smoke, brush/floss frequently and you should be looking great.
How long does a teeth whitening procedure take? ›
The answer is somewhere around one hour. This is a minimal amount of time for someone to expect professional whitening results, especially when considering that professional in-office whitening can last upwards of two years.
How long will my teeth hurt after whitening? ›
Sensitive teeth are a common side effect of most whitening treatments. The good news is that these zingers typically only last a few hours after treatment. If they persist for more than a day or two, contact your dentist in Rancho Bernardo to discuss possible causes and solutions.
How damaging is teeth whitening? ›
“Generally speaking, whitening kits are not harmful to your teeth,” explains Dr. Greg Scheier, DDS of Scheier Dental Group. “There are, however, potential temporary sensitivities, both in the teeth and gums, that may result from the use of both over-the-counter and dentist-administered whitening kits.” Dr.
How many hours does teeth whitening take? ›
Most of the time, we can complete in-office teeth whitening within an hour or two. In some cases, the patient may need a follow-up treatment.
What not to do before teeth whitening? ›
Avoid eating food or drinking beverages that can stain your teeth. Anything that might leave stains should be avoided. That includes black teas, coffee, red wine, blueberries, and anything else that can stain your teeth.
How many days does teeth whitening last? ›
If you opt for an at-home teeth whitening kit, you can generally expect your results to last for about four to six months with touch-ups as needed. However, if you choose to get your teeth professionally whitened at the dentist's office, your results could last up to a year or even longer with proper care.
One of the most common side effects is tooth sensitivity, which can occur during or after treatment. Overuse or misuse of teeth whitening products can also lead to enamel damage, gum irritation, and discoloration. Additionally, some types of tooth discoloration may not respond well to teeth whitening treatments.
What teeth Cannot be whitened? ›
You won't be able to whiten either porcelain crowns or most commonly used dental bonding materials. And, if you're suffering from gum disease, teeth whitening treatments will be uncomfortable, as well as possibly ineffective.
Why can't you drink water after teeth whitening? ›
After you whiten your teeth with Philips Sonicare teeth whitening products, acidic or staining foods and drinks are more easily absorbed by your teeth. This can lead to discoloration, and this why it is advised to wait 30 minutes after whitening before eating or drinking.
How long after teeth whitening can I eat normally? ›
When the dentist whitens teeth, your teeth can become sensitive to different foods that can stain. After 24-72 hours, you can resume your regular diet. The following are the things that you need to avoid after teeth whitening. Sugary foods can irritate your teeth and trigger the bacteria responsible for causing decay.
Is it better to get teeth whitened at the dentist? ›
The answer is a resounding yes. The most effective way to whiten teeth is with a professional in-office treatment.
Do you tip when you get your teeth whitened? ›
First and most importantly, tipping is never expected and always appreciated. Secondly, your technician is not a dentist.
Is it bad to get your teeth professionally whitened? ›
Professional teeth whitening is generally safer than DIY methods or natural remedies, and precautions should be taken before and after treatment. If you have sensitive teeth, desensitizing gels or low-concentration products may be recommended.
Do they numb your mouth for teeth whitening? ›
No, teeth whitening at the dentist is not a painful process. We will not need to numb your mouth for this procedure. You may feel some teeth sensitivity after the procedure. This is completely normal and should go away in a few hours.
Can you eat after teeth whitening procedure? ›
For 48 hours after a professional teeth whitening, it's recommended that you avoid acidic, pigmented foods and beverages and stick to things that won't cause discoloration. This is commonly called the “White Diet”, a short-term diet consisting of white and light-colored foods and drinks.
Is teeth whitening worth it? ›
According to some studies, having whiter teeth can make you appear younger, more attractive, more employable and more successful. Just think of the instant boost of confidence that could bring to your day-to-day life.
